The Phalarope is a migratory bird that visits Mono Lake each summer in great numbers. During its approximate six weeks at Mono Lake it completely molts its feathers and doubles its body weight. The Phalarope then begins its migratory journey towards the antiplano in northern Chile, Bolivia and Argentina where they spend time in other salt lakes.

The phalarope will often swim in tight, small circles, creating a vortex from which they can pick out the lake's brine shrimp.